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'Be involved in Christian service'

April 01, 2017

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“We’ve got to be about inviting people to be disciples of Jesus Christ,” said Joe Kelley, keynote speaker for the annual gathering of Iowa Conference United Methodist Men. Kelley, a prayer advocate and men’s ministry specialist, spoke on Saturday, April 1, at Altoona United Methodist Church.

Norm Veldhuizen, current Iowa UMMen president, opened the day with devotions and, with Joe Riddle, singing some “old favorite” hymns. Veldhuizen told the group, “God equips each of us to be an agent of Jesus Christ.” He added, “no matter what age we are we can serve the Lord,”

Scott Knudtson, from Reinbeck UMC, was elected to be president, beginning September 1, along with the slate of officers for the coming year. Knudtson issued a challenge to “bring younger men with you” when United Methodist Men gather. “We are going to bring younger men back to UMMen,” he declared.

“United Methodist Men has made me what I am in Jesus Christ, today,” keynoter Joe Kelley revealed. Citing John 15 the Louisiana UMMen leader said, “We have to love others before we can be about loving ourselves.” He went on to ask the group how it can support others who don’t have fathers or the presence of men in their lives. He wondered, “How can we put our arms around their shoulders?” and answered by saying, “We are called to be those people who will walk the walk of Christ with them…and keep on keepin’ on.” He also encouraged everyone to “be involved in some Christian service…all the time!”